Letter to the Editor: Development Will "Take Away What We Love"

My Hometown

My husband and I grew up in Morris Township, and now live in the Fairchild section of the township, known for its beautiful old homes and family oriented neighborhood.  We anticipated raising our three small children here in the town we love.  A developer is threatening to take away what we love, by building a “strip mall/apartment building” 2 doors up from us on the corner of Sherman Avenue and Speedwell Avenue.  Why should one man’s greed be allowed to squash the dreams of a family-oriented neighborhood by seeking a variance for these apartments from the Board of Adjustment?  I think of one of my favorite Bruce Springsteen songs, “my hometown” when I drive down my street, and wave to friends and neighbors.   What will become of this American dream for all of the families who live here?  Our dream and reality for a quaint, family oriented neighborhood will be gone and in its place will be a looming strip mall, increase in traffic, lack of adequate parking for the residents, and increase in garbage.  This type of “spot on zoning” should not be tolerated because one man believes he is entitled to do what he wants; in a neighborhood where all he sees is not the green of the trees but the green he will have in his pocket.

Maureen Carlin